You're not the only homeowner who's looking for ways to lower their heating bills. In a survey, an average American spends $1,500 annually on their heating bills. That price will still rise for those still using gas instead of electricity to keep their furnaces running. You can't control the oil prices, but you can improve how your home maintains and uses heat. Modifying how you consume energy will lower your heating bills by 25%.
From cutting the amount of electricity and gas your family consumes to reviewing your tariff, the tips in this article will help you save money on your utility bills. You can lower the bills while keeping your home more comfortable.
Immediately Repair Air Leaks
Look for air leaks by checking your switches and outlets, light fixtures, doors, ceilings, windows, or walls for escaping air. Look for deteriorated water stripping, gaps, and holes, and have them repaired immediately. In inspecting your windows, you can use a candle. Light it and put it near the window.
If it goes out, that can indicate there's an air leak. Fixing leaks can be quick. You'll need weather stripping and caulking to seal off gaps and holes. It might seem like a cheap solution, but it's an idea that will save you nearly up to 20% on your bills.
Make Sure to Check the Bills
Looking for a new energy provider isn't advisable. That's because you can't find cheaper deals. If you switched to a new provider or ignored your tariff, you might have to pay for out-of-contract charges. However, the price limits on these tariffs might increase down the road, so make sure to do your research.
Begin by comparing electricity and gas prices beforehand to protect yourself from any unnecessary increases. If you find a cheaper deal, you should contact them immediately to sign up before everything rises.
Wearing Thick Clothes Helps
One simple tip that will help lower your heating bills is asking your family to wear thick pieces of clothing. Depending on your body's tolerance for cold, you might find it more comfortable to wear a thick sweater than wearing pants or a short-sleeved shirt. You can also try wearing pans made from a thicker material like wool.
Don't go barefooted in the house during winter. Wear socks to keep your feet warm and spread that warmth in the other parts of your body. If you're reading a book, watching television, or sleeping in the afternoon, try curling up under a blanket.
It'll keep you warm without using your furnace. If that's not enough, use an extra blanket so that you can comfortably program the thermostat at night.
Maintain the Units Regularly
If you're in search of ways to lower your heating bills, investing in professional furnace repair services is your best choice. Maintaining your heating appliances and systems should be on the top of your to-do list. Old and damaged water heaters or furnaces will only consume more energy over time; however, you can still keep it performing optimally by getting regular maintenance and furnace inspections.
Have worn-out or leaky parts replaced as regularly as possible to stop your appliances and systems from consuming energy and increasing your utility bills.
Let More Natural Light Enter
You shouldn't be afraid of the sun. Open your curtains to enjoy its shine. Doing that will provide you with the much-needed comfort the old-fashioned way. Once your house reaches a comfortable temperature, you won't have to be afraid of the cold. But you'll have to close your windows and curtains at night to keep the cold air out of your home.
Invest in a Good Insulation
Insulating your home will lower your monthly heating bills by reducing the heat that escapes through the walls, roof, and attic. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal off doors and windows. Even closing your windows and covering them with blinds and curtains at night will keep the warmth inside your home, reducing your family's energy consumption. Insulating your doors, windows, and weather heaters is another step.
For your attic, you can buy an attic tent that stops the hot air from escaping.
Seal off the Unused Rooms
Depending on how big your family and property are, you might have unused rooms that you only use occasionally. You don't have to keep these rooms warm. To save money on your heating bills, seal off the rooms that you don't regularly use. It's also best to seal off the vents in an unused space, so that warm air from the ducts doesn't go through these.
You can use a draft blocker or towel to seal off the doors of these rooms. Despite this tip, you shouldn't let unused rooms get too cold, primarily if it houses a few water pipes. You don't want them to get colder, so your pipes don't freeze and burst.
Lowering your heating bills during winter can be challenging, but if you follow these tips, you might be able to enjoy a few savings.